What Are the Easy Ways To Increase Gas Mileage?

Increasing gas mileage has hit its all-time importance as gas prices remain high because of the COVID-19 pandemic. If one can stretch a tank of gas further, he or she can reduce refill up times. This means one can save on fuel. So, how can you cut back on fuel expenses? Do you buy a new car? The answer is no. Here are some tips to increase your gas mileage.

1. Improve Your Driving Skills

Stunt driving is for the movies. Stay disciplined on the road. Focus on speed limits and traffic lights, so you won’t need to use the brakes as much.

2. Check Your Engine Light

Most of the time, the engine light blinks because of damaged or missing gas caps. In such an instance, the only option you have is replacing the cap, so you don’t end up damaging the environment and reducing your gas mileage due to wastage.

3. Clean Your Trunk

Removing junk from your trunk unloads your engine of unnecessary weight. This, then, aids in boosting your fuel mileage.

4. Check Your Car Tires

The simple question here is, “Are your tires correctly inflated?” Underinflated or overinflated tires put pressure on the gas engine, making themselves work on double effort. Regularly check your tires using a tire gauge.

5. Use the Right Engine Oil

Not every engine oil will work in your car. Each motor carries a specific design that requires a particular type of oil. The more viscous oil than the correct one for your vehicle causes more friction, making the engine burn more fuel and work harder. Make sure to review your car manual for the right type of oil to use for your car.

6. Change Your Spark Plugs and Air Filter

Dirt and grime cause a car engine to burn more fuel to function at an efficient capacity. Don’t forget about your air filter and spark plugs during your car maintenance and checkup schedule.

7. Turn Off the Car Engine at Idle

Idling only burns fuel without getting the vehicle anywhere. Turn the engine off if you’re waiting to stay in place for a while.

8. Don’t Warm-up Your Car

The idea of warming up the engine before taking off is completely dated. It’s just another way to burn fuel in modern cars.

9. Keep Your Windows Up

Rolling your car windows down and turning off the air conditioner only creates aerodynamic drag that makes the car engine work harder and burns more gas.

10. Change Your Driving Mentality

Plan and combine trips, so you don’t have to keep on starting the engine. Remember, starting the engine requires twice as much fuel as when the car is running. And, if you can, walk instead of taking your car.

11. Keep Your Foot Off the Brake Pedal

Don’t rest your foot on the brake pedal when driving. The slightest pressure on it creates a mechanical drag on it, wearing the connections down and burning unnecessary fuel.

12. Avoid Rough Roads

When the tires bounce up and down because of rough ground, the much-needed forward motion energy is depleted. The car slows down, and the engine tries to compensate by working harder and using more fuel. It also exhausts the driver’s energy.

13. Change Your Fuel Filter

Car manufacturers recommend changing a vehicle’s engine filter every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. As mentioned, dirt and grime clog up your car’s system, leading to poor performance and reduced gas mileage. Take your car for a quick change so you can save in the long-term.

14. Avoid Traffic Jams

IF possible, do so. Try to plan your route to avoid road congestion. As mentioned, being idle costs you more fuel without getting you to your destination.

15. Keep your Vehicle Aligned

Misaligned tires drag your car and waste your fuel. You end up paying more for both gas and tire replacement. Check their alignment using a tread depth gauge.

  1. Final Thoughts

You don’t have to get a brand-new car to save on gas. Having a fuel-efficient vehicle is one thing, but driving habits and attitude and car care are another. You can increase gas mileage by taking the above tips as advice. Hopefully, they will help you save on fuel and money so you can allot more budget for more important household expenses. Regular car checkups and maintenance, despite requiring you to shell out cash, can also help you save on repair expenses in the long-term. 

About the Author Long Le

Leave a Comment:

Popular posts